Thank you for choosing me to take part :)
Generally - how did you find Bella as a place to visit with the family for breakfast?
DS (9) and I went to the Edinburgh, Hanover Street Branch, at 12.30 on Sunday 23 November.
The restaurant was busy and buzzing with a lovely atmosphere when we arrived. I was glad that we had booked a table.
We were greeted and offered a choice of table - I choose to go upstairs as it was very busy downstairs. The date was the day of the "Edinburgh Christmas" launch so town was very busy - so I would expect that Bella Italia would be busier than usual due to its central location.
The waiter was very friendly and welcoming. He called me "Ma'am" which I found amusing!
How would you rate the food quality?
The food was pleasant, although the portion was too small for DS and he eats like a bird. I would say that the portion was a toddler size rather than being suitable for up to ten year olds!
How would you rate the selection of food – grown ups and kids - what did you and your DC choose?
I choose the mozzarella, avocado and tomato toasted ciabatta sandwich. It was a good size portion - I would have preferred a wee salad garnish on the side in terms of presentation.
I happily ate it but the avocado was black - most people would not serve it like that! I would not serve an avocado like that at home so I was surprised that a restaurant would. There was avocado in other items so I would have thought they would have a good stock of avocado in the kitchen so would not need to serve black avocado!
DS chose the pancake face. As there were only two items it was not much of a choice though. I would not consider it to be a "children's menu" as there are only two items available. I did not realise that DS could have chosen from the adult section. If I had known this then he would probably have had something more substantial from the adult section.
What he has was teeny - a scotch pancake sized pancake, with two slices of banana, a sliver of strawberry, a couple of mini fudge chunks and a smear of melted chocolate. This portion would perhaps feed a toddler or would be suitable as a dessert but it was not enough for a child.
DS does not eat much and it was not enough for him. He had already had breakfast that day (up at 6.30 am for a bowl of cereal then had a pain au chocolate at the cinema at 10.30) and he was still hungry after the pancake. The waiter did offer dessert but I felt that the pancake was a dessert so declined.
What was the best part about your experience?
DS liked the place - he liked the pancake face and wants to go back for pizza.
How about service: was it friendly and welcoming?
The service was great - very friendly and welcoming.
Did you know Bella did breakfast prior to this?
no
And lastly, would you go again?
Yes, DS is keen to go back. We would not be likely to go back for breakfast but will go back for pizza one evening if we are in town.
Thanks again.